MEC Dynamic Correction Hum

[Invisible_Sun]

Hey,

I just bought a used Corvette Standard from 2003 (looks new though!). The thing is, I get this rather loud hum from the pickups. It's loudest when I'm right by my amp; I tested it out on my old Crate practice amp.

The hum dies down when I turn the tone knob down. But, the hum is the same when I have the balance knob in the center as it is when it is full neck or bridge.

Could someone please provide some answers.


Thanks, for any responses.

[Invisible_Sun]

Really, nothing? Perhaps I should rename it...

[Malachi71]

I have a passive fretless Corvette with the same MEC pickups and the same hum problem you are experiencing. It seems that most in our situation have replaced the pickups with another brand to solve the hum issue. I'm wondering though if shielding might help. My Warwick has no shielding in the cavity. If this would make a difference, I would probably keep the MEC pickups otherwise I'll be looking for another set of pickups.

[Invisible_Sun]

I'll take mine into the tech at my Long and McQuade. They'll probaly have an answer. If it is shielding, than great. If not, who knows.

I'll get back asap on this.

[Rick Auricchio]

The Corvette should have adequate shielding (my 2002 does); the hum is because the MECs are single-coil pups. If your hum situation improves farther from the amp and other electrical equipment, then it's the standard single-coil issue. The hum should also change as you turn around.

On mine, the center balance position didn't help either. I replaced the pups with DiMarzio Model Js, no other changes, and I like the result. Now it's quiet, and the tone is very similar to the original MECs.

[Malachi71]

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

The Corvette should have adequate shielding (my 2002 does); the hum is because the MECs are single-coil pups. If your hum situation improves farther from the amp and other electrical equipment, then it's the standard single-coil issue. The hum should also change as you turn around.

On mine, the center balance position didn't help either. I replaced the pups with DiMarzio Model Js, no other changes, and I like the result. Now it's quiet, and the tone is very similar to the original MECs.

Mine is a 2006 and the only so-called shielding is black paint. It does not have any copper shielding or tin foil type. What kind of shielding does yours have?

[30.87hertz]

Originally Posted by Malachi71

Mine is a 2006 and the only so-called shielding is black paint. It does not have any copper shielding or tin foil type. What kind of shielding does yours have?

The "black paint" is the shielding. I believe it is graphite paint, which conducts electricity.

[Malachi71]

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

I replaced the pups with DiMarzio Model Js, no other changes, and I like the result. Now it's quiet, and the tone is very similar to the original MECs.

Can you tell me more about the sound you get from the Dimarzio Model J's compared to the MEC's?

Bass? Mids? Treble? Warmer? More Aggressive? Growl? Etc.?

I'm thinking about installing these in my Corvette.

[Malachi71]

Originally Posted by 30.87hertz

The "black paint" is the shielding. I believe it is graphite paint, which conducts electricity.

Would adding copper shielding help the hum problem?

[Rick Auricchio]

The black paint is the conductive shielding paint, but single-coils pick up magnetic fields. There's no reasonable way to shield from magnetic interference.

The DiMarzio J's are very similar to the original MECs. They're probably a tiny bit warmer (a tiny bit less top end), but they sound good to me. There's very little audible difference to me. The Warwick growl is still there.